First, the exterior surface of the building will be chemically cleaned to remove salts and biological growth. Next, any failing render will be removed, maintaining straight, back-cut beveled edges to secure the new render patches. The bricks underneath will be repaired or replaced as necessary. Then, new render will be applied using a steel trowel and a rubber float to provide a more consistent coating. The surface will be lightly sanded with a high-grit sandpaper. Finally, once the render is completely dry, it will be sealed with a coating of Keim® mineral-based paint.
Wall paintingIn China, the decorative painting of houses is undertaken by masons as the final flourish to the building. It is a skill passed down from one generation to another. During the re-erection in 2003, Yao Desheng, an accomplished mason from Anhui Province, painted the images on the exterior of Yin Yu Tang and along the walls of the gallery ramp leading into the house. In 2026, he will be welcomed back to complete the paintings on the exterior of the home.
Skylight refurbishmentEvery November, PEM staff members install a removable skylight over Yin Yu Tang’s courtyard to mitigate cold temperatures and prevent snow and ice from reaching the interior of the house. This skylight, typically removed for the season in April, will undergo renovation to replace worn components. A new apron fabricated from synthetic rubber flaps and brushes will be added to act as a more solid barrier to birds and cold temperatures.
Stone thresholdsTo improve visitor accessibility, the raised stone thresholds at the East and West entrances were engineered and modified to allow them to be raised and lowered. After 20 years, this system is being revamped with more efficient technology.
Follow the Peabody Essex Museum on social media @peabodyessex for updates about this exciting preservation process.
